Page 24 - BEQ Magazine Vol 4, Iss 4 (01032020 Final)_Active

AMBER HIKES

FORGES A NEW

PATH AT THE ACLU

By Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart

o be labeled as a trailblazer, one must possess certain characteristics:

perseverance, courage, self-confidence, hope, passion and determination.
TLongtime BEQ Pride readers know that Amber Hikes embodies the term

and in her new role, she continues to blaze a trail for diversity, inclusion, equity and
intersectionality.

After serving two and a half years as the Executive accompanied the position. Calling it “emotionally and
Director of LGBTQ Affairs at the Philadelphia May- spiritually challenging,” Hikes noted that a significant
or’s office, Hikes was recently named the first Chief portion of her work in Philadelphia dealt with situa-
Equity and Inclusion Officer at the American Civil tions rooted in criminal justice reform, law enforce-
Liberties Union (ACLU). It is a life-changing opportu- ment, discrimination, homelessness, violence and even
nity, not just for Hikes but for those she hopes to impact death. Joining the ACLU’s leadership team was a natu-
through her work. ral progression for a woman whose purpose is rooted in
“It’s extraordinarily significant for an organization building an equitable future for all.
like the ACLU, with its size, history and legacy, to be “If I’m being candid, I didn’t even know this kind of
turning our focus to the priority of fostering a more work existed,” she said. “I always knew that I was go-
equitable culture for the folks who are doing this crucial ing to be helping folks build community. Or that I was
work during a very challenging time in our country’s going to find ways for celebration and joy to be part of
history,” Hikes said. challenging work but I didn’t know how that was going
The time to make the shift was ideal for Hikes. Cit- to take shape. What’s brilliant is that I’ve been afforded
ing “the transformative engagement and policy work the opportunity to help adapt our changing world and
that was uplifting and gratifying” during her time at environment through this tremendous workplace. “
the mayor’s office, she recalled the difficulties that also When discussing diversity and inclusion, Hikes

24 | December 2019 businessequalitymagazine.com